Method and apparatus for training a baseball player

ABSTRACT

A strike training device having a rectangular front face, on which are positioned a plurality of graphic striking targets and an visibly defined strike zone. The batter is able to train to mentally envision the strike zone with the help of the visual aids on the front surface. The batter increases in strength and stamina by hitting into the shock absorbing striking surface. The batters judgment and accuracy are improved by quickly identifying a designated striking target, determining if the target is inside the strike zone, and if so, hitting the target.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The image that often attracts players to the game of baseball is the vision of seeing themselves, torso twisted, bat extended, and eyes fixed to a far away point on the horizon where they have just launched a baseball for a homerun hit. Many hours are spent coaching and training for such a triumphant celebration of batting skill. To this end, many training techniques have been implemented to improve the proper body mechanics and muscle strength needed to develop that perfect swing that transfers the maximum energy from the body to the ball at the point of impact. One rudimentary method that mimics the proper body positioning needed for a desirable swing with “follow through” power is to chop trees with an axe. The power needed to imbed the blade into the wood requires a swing with “follow through” rather than one “pulled” at the contact point. Further, the multiple strikes necessary to fell a tree of significant size must be accurately placed to widen and deepen the cut already started by previous swings. These skills translate well into the swing of a bat at a ball. The player must “follow through” to deliver maximum power to the ball, and the swing must be properly aimed to make contact with the ball in various positions within the strike zone. Obviously with today's litigious society and eco-friendly mindset, one cannot turn young baseball players loose in a forest to perfect their swing. This method is dangerous and eco-damaging. So, methods must be developed to mimic the techniques and improve the power and accuracy of the player's swing in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

A training device that involves hitting mobile targets may seek to improve the hand eye coordination for more accurate swings, but would do little to train the muscles to provide a powerful follow through. A device which provides improvement in the area of follow through would do little to improve hand eye coordination. The problem with training individual components of the swing is that while improving one aspect of the swing, bad habits may be forming in another. Once these bad habits are developed, they are difficult to retrain. Therefore, a need exists in the sport for a training device that improves the judgment of the batter and the power and accuracy of the swing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Exercise bags have been a part of the exercise environment for years. U.S. Pat. No. 291,015, Issued Dec. 25, 1883 to Rumsey, describes efforts to provide an air-tight bag offering a large surface area and light weight resulting in a bag with quicker movements and thereby allegedly affording a better form of exercise for the striker.

G.B. Patent 432,056 issued Jul. 19, 1935 to Mallin describes a punching bag having an internal bladder that may be wholly or partially filled with water. The water content of the bag being variable to alter the weight and “yieldingness” of the bag. This bag is also equipped with straps to facilitate suspension.

U.K. patent Application 2,084,028, published Apr. 7, 1982 describes an athletic bag having a valved, flexible container filled with water and gas under pressure providing a firmness and resistance to a blow delivered by a fist, hand, or foot of a practitioner of martial arts.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,674 issued Dec. 7, 2004 to Ferry describes an athletic bag which is suspendable and contains a water-tight resilient container that can be easily removed and re-inserted to facilitate toting.

Exercise bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes. There are short cylindrical bags which can be suspend and used as a target for punching or striking in training boxers or martial artist. There are longer bags which can offer a larger target similar to the central body mass of an opponent. There are rectangular bags used as padding between players in a contact environment such as football. Regardless of the shape, the bags often have a similar construction, that they are fabricated from an enclosing durable material able to endure arduous and protracted amounts of physical activity. The enclosure encompasses a padded structure, also designed to suffer the effects of repeated, regular physical forces and contacts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the training device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the present invention illustrating an exemplary visibly defined strike zone and striking targets.

FIG. 2B is another front view of the present invention illustrating a visibly defined strike zone and striking targets.

FIG. 3 contains illustrative examples of striking targets in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through the various Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed training device for use in training batting swings of baseball players. The devices comprises an exercise bag with a cuboid like polyhedron shape having a substantially flat face on one side which is presented to the batter at an angle substantially perpendicular to the swing stance such that a bat extended in full swing will contact the face of the exercise bag. On the flat face is removably attached visible strike zone indicators and batting targets. The bag could be of any size roughly approximating the proper strike zone of a player or larger. In the preferred embodiment, the bag is wider than the strike zone of the particular player and of a sufficient height to stand supported on the ground with the top of the bag extending above the proper strike zone. The exercise bag contains handles on top, sides and back of the bag to allow it to be supported in a manner that protects the supporter's hands from impact from the bat. In an alternative embodiment, the bag would be self supporting. This could be accomplished in several ways, such as by an enlarged base or a weighted base.

The face of the training device comprises an appropriate sized rectangular shape which outlines and defines the strike zone in which a ball traveling will be ruled a strike under the rules of play for the game for the particular player using the device. In the preferred embodiment the strike zone markings are comprised of four right angle markers which indicate the four corners of the strike zone and are adjustable to allow for various sized players and of varying heights and stances. In another embodiment markers are used to mark the four sides of the strike zone. In another embodiment the strike zone can be indicated by a combination of marking corners and sides. Carried to the extreme, corner and side markers could be combined to result in a substantially continuous outline of the entire strike zone on the face of the bag. In another embodiment, there could be strike zone markers of varying sizes which are simply replaced with one of a different size, and positioned higher or lower on the face of the exercise bag depending on the size and height of the player.

The surface further comprises a plurality of repositionable striking targets which are individually identifiable. In the preferred embodiment, the targets are two dimensional representations of baseballs with numbers on them. In another embodiment softballs could be used as the targets. In another embodiment the targets could be identified by letters. In another embodiment the targets could simply be the letter or number. In one embodiment the target identifiers could be a contrasting color. In another embodiment the targets could be personalized with the school or team colors.

A method of using the device to train batters would involve the coach or an assistant holding the pad for a player and randomly calling out numbers on the targets. The player must quickly locate the target, determine if it is in the strike zone, and accurately swing to hit the target. By watching the swing a coach can determine if the player accurately impacted the correct target, and did so in a proper and timely manner. Also the person holding the exercise bag would feel the impact from the bat and be able to determine if the swing had the proper power. Because the device is padded it will absorb the impact of a swing with proper follow through and decelerate the bat in a way that will prevent injury to the batter and still provide a feedback informing them of a solid hit.

The visible strike zone can be used to train young batters to identify the strike zone location. The batter trains to mentally evaluate the strike zone by observing the strike zone visually on the surface of the striking structure. A plurality of unique striking targets are positioned on the striking structure, some within the strike zone and some outside of the strike zone. The targets are uniquely identified by number, color, or other distinguishing feature. Pitchers can pitch balls at very high rates of speed. Batters are not given much time to evaluate the position of the pitch and decide whether or not to take a swing. Coaches can train batters to improve judgment and accuracy of their swing by quickly identifying one of the unique striking targets as a point of contact. The batter then must quickly determine if the indicated target is within the strike zone, and accurately contact the target, or refuse to swing if the indicated target is outside of the strike zone.

Strength and stamina are improved by striking the bat into the shock absorbing striking surface. The surface provides both resistance to and feedback of the force delivered by the batter in the swing. Muscle memory is developed with consistent training. Upon contact, the force of the swing of the baseball bat is absorbed by the striking structure. Without need of any adjustment to the training device, the batter can continue to train continuously and uninterrupted.

In an alternate embodiment, a batter can train alone, by judging and striking randomly illuminated targets. The targets may be illuminated by LED lights powered by a battery or batteries. The targets may light in a sequence or in random. The mode and timing of illumination is beyond the scope of this patent as anyone skilled in the art may chose their own preferred method of illumination control.

The Power Hitting Zone is lightweight and easily transportable. In the preferred embodiment, the striking structure has rectangular face. The outside surfaces are constructed of vinyl, neoprene, or similar waterproof, durable substance. Inside the polyhedron is a core of polyurethane foam or a similar lightweight, resilient material. A plurality of handles may be positioned on the outer surface for transport purposes. The structure stands with the support of a base attached to the bottom portion. The description of the base is beyond the scope of this patent as anyone skilled in the art may choose their own means of structured support. The face has a Velcro™ like covering to allow the visible strike zone indicators and the individually identifiable targets to be positioned and repositioned for different training needs or different players.

With reference to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the training device in use is illustrated and generally designated by reference number 100. A trainer 140 supports the exercise bag 110 by holding the handles 117. The exercise bag 110 is positioned relative to the batter 130 as if the batter was standing in the batter's box 140 and the exercise bag 110 was positioned on home plate 145. With this relative positioning, when the batter 130 swings the bat 132 contact with the face of the bag 115 will occur at the ideal contact point, that been approximately the center of home plate 145.

The exercise bag 130 has a front face 115 on which is a visible strike zone 120, and a plurality of striking targets 130, some of which 130A are within the strike zone 120, and some of which 130B are outside of the strike zone 120.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate possible embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows the front face 115 of the exercise bag 110. On the front of the exercise bag 110 is a visual strike zone defined by indicating the four corners 121. Also on the front of the exercise bag 110 is a plurality of striking targets 130, some of which 130A are within the strike zone, and some of which 130B are outside of the strike zone.

FIG. 2B shows the front face 115 of the exercise bag 110. On the front of the exercise bag 110 is a visual strike zone defined by indicating the four sides 123. Also on the front of the exercise bag 110 is a plurality of striking targets 130, some of which 130A are within the strike zone, and some of which 130B are outside of the strike zone. In a different embodiment, a combination of the corners 121 and the sides 123 may be combined to create a more complete visual strike zone 120.

In an embodiment of the invention a portion of the front face 115 may be covered with one element of a hook and loop type fastener material, and the visible strike zone 121, 123 may be covered with the other element of a hook and loop type fastener material thus allowing them to be removable and repositionable.

FIG. 3 illustrates several embodiments of striking targets 130. The preferred embodiment for the striking target 130 involves images consistent with the game being played, that is baseball 131, or softball 132. These images are individually identifiable my including numbers 310, letters 320, or some other identifiable symbol. In another embodiment the striking targets 130 may include illuminating elements 330, creating illuminated striking targets 133. Illuminated striking targets 133 could identify the target to strike by illuminating either on command, at specific timing intervals, or at random. In another embodiment striking targets may be different colors or shades 134.

In one embodiment the exercise bag 130 is supported by supporting it by the handles 117. In another embodiment the exercise bag 130 is self supporting.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the inventions to exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A training device comprising: an exercise bag, having a substantially flat front face; the front face having a visibly defined strike zone.
 2. A training device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a base to support the bag in an upright position with the front face substantially perpendicular to the ground.
 3. A training device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of handles located on the outer surfaces of the exercise bag for supporting the bag in an upright position with the front face substantially perpendicular to the ground.
 4. A training device as described in claim 1, wherein: the visibly defined strike zone is removably attached to the front face; and repositionable.
 5. A training device as described in claim 1, wherein: the visibly defined strike zone is resizable to accommodate players of varying stature.
 6. A training device as described in claim 1, wherein: the visibly defined strike zone is comprised of four corner indicators.
 7. A training device as described in claim 1, wherein: the visibly defined strike zone is comprised of four side indicators.
 8. A training device as describe in claim 4, wherein: the removable strike zone is attached with a hook and loop type fastener.
 9. A training device as describe in claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of striking targets.
 10. A training device as described in claim 9, wherein: the striking targets are graphic images of baseballs.
 11. A training device as described in claim 9, wherein: the striking targets are logos or graphic representations of opposing teams.
 12. A training device as described in claim 9, wherein: the striking targets are uniquely identifiable.
 13. A training device as described in claim 9, wherein: some striking targets are positioned inside the strike zone; and some striking targets are positioned outside the strike zone.
 14. A training device as described in claim 9, wherein: the striking targets are individually lightable.
 15. A method of training a baseball player comprising: adjusting a visible strike zone on the surface of a exercise bag to suit the individual player; positioning a plurality of individually identifiable striking targets within the strike zone; holding the exercise bag such that a fully extended swing will contact the face of the exercise bag; indicating a specific striking target at which the player is to swing; evaluating a player's performance based on one or more criteria comprising: the accuracy of the swing to connect with the indicated target; the reaction speed between indicating the target and the impact; the force of the impact; the stance of the player.
 16. A method of training as described in claim 15, further comprising: positioning a plurality of individually identifiable striking targets outside of the strike zone; and evaluating a player's performance further comprises the criteria of the player's ability to recognize targets outside of the strike zone and refrain from swinging when they are indicated.
 17. A method of training as described in claim 16, further comprising: removing the visible strike zone so the player must evaluate the position of balls without visual clues as to the location of the strike zone.
 18. A method of training as described in claim 16 further comprising: improving batters quick judgment of strike zone pitches by providing “rapid fire” target selection instructions, wherein, some selected targets are within the batters strike zone, and some selected targets are outside the batters strike zone.
 19. A method of training as described in claim 15, wherein: indicating a specific striking target at which the player is to swing is accomplished by lighting the specific striking target.
 20. A method of training as described in claim 19, wherein: striking targets are engaged randomly at random speeds. 